tbk

They have removed an event which has been an Olympic Blue Ribbon discipline since the start of the Modern Olympics over 100years ago.

The kilo in Athens was one of the greatest sporting contests of all time in any sport. Where else have you seen a World Record beaten four times in 15 minutes? It was contested by at least 6 of the best ever prepared athletes. This will completely unbalance track cycling.

The World Championships, Pan-American and Commonwealth Games have little commercial worth with regard to sponsorship. There is now no incentive for any youngster to enter a sport with no career structure. All these years of work for the chance to win one lucky or one team medal.

This is one event where a country does not need a multi-million performance plan to get their riders ready to race. Theo Boss proved last year that he could be World Champion on a small budget. He just trained, lived and ate properly and got the rewards.

https://www.uci.ch/modello.asp?1stlev...=0&idnews=3559

Matt Gaunt

Yeah, it does suck. Track cycling is so cool to watch - never ridden track btw.

On a slightly different note, I saw a track cyclist on a ride yesterday. I knew he was a trackie because he didn't unclip at traffic lights, just held the bike on balance for a few minutes which impressed me no end!

dolface

actually, lots of fixed-gear (and geared) riders can do this. (i'm not disputing that he was a trackie, just that that's a definitive way to identify one).

Matt Gaunt

Oh right, I just figured he would be a trackie Didn't realise the fixies et al could do it too!

I'm gonna practice that - it looks so good and saves clipping back in after a junction - on grass to start with!

vindicator

So after reading the news article I understand that they took out the kilo and 500 in oder to make room for BMX. Did I read that right. Next the IOC will make room for the 'who can hold their breath longer' contest by taking out the 100m freestyle.

taras0000

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?...n05/jun12news2

This arcticle summed it up nicely i think

taras

tbk

indeed, very much so.

https://www.petitiononline.com/1000k/petition.html